Gallery: Halloween safety tips

Sergio Dionisio, Getty Images10.30.2012

Be especially careful around Halloween decorations with burning candles.

Sergio Dionisio
/ Getty Images

Avoid dark coloured costumes. Halloween costumes should be bright and made of non-flammable material. Attach reflective tape or other light coloured material to the costume helps make trick-or-treaters more visible.Sergio Dionisio
/ Getty Images

Instruct children to stand in front of the door at the home and they shouldn’t enter homes under any circumstances.Brendan Smialowski
/ Getty Images

Trick or treating should occur only in the early evening hours and “Trick or Treaters” should stay away from any homes that are in total darkness. That’s generally a sign that no one is home or they’ve shut down their candy operation for the night.Sergio Dionisio
/ Getty Images

For added safety, you may wish to even have your child use a flashlightiStockphoto
/ Thinkstock

Children should not pick up any discarded candy or bags of candy they might find while trick or treating.Jupiterimages
/ Thinkstock

Once the children arrive home, all treats should be inspected by parents before eating.Joe Raedle
/ Getty Images

Make certain that children travel along one side of the street at a time and cross only at corners or marked crosswalks.Sergio Dionisio
/ Getty Images

Use make-up instead of a mask. Masks can be hot and uncomfortable, and more importantly they can obstruct a child’s vision. If you do decide to use a mask, make the eye holes large enough so that vision is not restricted.Bruce Stotesbury
/ Victoria Times Colonist

Young children should always be accompanied by an adult. Older children should travel in pairs or groups and trick or treat only in their own neighbourhood or neighbourhoods that are familiar to them. Make sure parents know the route being taken.Melissa Majchrzak
/ Getty Images

Use the sidewalks whenever possible and encourage children to be courteous by NOT walking over lawns.Sergio Dionisio
/ Getty Images

Costumes should also be kept short enough to prevent tripping.Brendan Smialowski
/ Getty Images

If weapons are a part of a child’s costume, keep it safe by making sure they are only toys, and they should be made out of cardboard or other flexible materials.

Source: Hamilton Police Service

Brendan Smialowski
/ Getty Images

Pedestrian traffic is higher than any other day of the year – therefore drivers must remember to be extra careful and be especially alert for children.Hemera
/ Thinkstock

Gallery: Halloween safety tips

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